Hearts on Fire 1: Serefina(4)

Before she even placed the Jeep in park, her family was coming out of the front door to greet her. They were all there. Her mother, father, three brothers, and even Grandpa and Grandma Martelli. She turned off the engine to her Jeep and got out, feeling the aches and pains from her long drive, as well as the remnants of her injuries as they all greeted her.

“We were starting to get worried,” Eddie stated as he pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight.

“We weren’t all worried, just Eddie,” Lance teased as Eddie released her.

Lance hugged her next. “Hey, Fina, missed you, angel.”

She smiled, feeling the tears in her eyes. “I missed you, too.”

Her mother hugged her next, then her father, who held her a little longer than she expected, and she squeezed him back. “I’m okay, Daddy,” she whispered as the tears fell from her eyes, and then Tyler hugged them both.

“How about you let me see my only granddaughter,” Grandpa stated and her father released her to his dad, who hugged her close and then patted her head before Grandma hugged her hello. She smiled wide.

“I was hoping to get here in full sunlight so I could take in the entire place.” She looked around, while Tyler still held her hand.

He gave it a squeeze.

“You have all the time in the world to explore home again, Fina,” he told her, calling her by the childhood nickname her brothers always used. She smiled. It was instant comfort being here with them. It was as if she never left.

“Are you hungry? You must be starving,” her mother asked, drying her hands on her apron as Grandma smiled.

“I know I’m starving. Been waiting over an hour,” Lance teased and then gave a wink.

She chuckled. “Let’s eat then.” She took in the sight of them. All three brothers were taller than her dad by four or so inches, around six feet three. She was always the littlest one. Even out of all the cousins, male of course, she was the most petite. Which made times hard during family parties, but she kept up being the tomboy that she was until she became good friends with Tasha.

She couldn’t wait to see her. Tasha was a wild one, and already was planning a bunch of activities with some of their other friends who lived nearby. They had been texting and e-mailing the last few weeks nonstop. Even from a distance, Tasha had been a supportive and caring friend.

She stepped into the house and smiled as her eyes absorbed all the things that had stayed the same and the tiny things that had changed. She rubbed her side, feeling the ache, and her grandma covered her hand.

“You feeling okay?” she asked.

Serefina smiled. “Yes, Grandma. I’m just a little tired from the drive, but I’ll be fine.”

Her grandma gave her a wink and then rubbed along her side where the scar was. She gulped. “You’re beautiful, on the inside and on the outside. You remember that.”

Her eyes watered, but then Lance came up behind her and tugged her hair.

“Do you remember where the bathroom is, or do you need a tour, squirt?” he teased, staring down at her as he always did when they were growing up. Her three brothers watched over her, and protected her. That hadn’t changed at all.

She shook her head and gave his side a gentle slap before heading to the bathroom.



* * * *



Marty sat by Angelina and listened to his sons Eddie, Lance, and Tyler tell Serefina all about the new stores on the boardwalk and some of the cool places.

“If you’re still jogging, you can run along the bike path that was put in along practically the entire length of the boardwalk,” Lance explained. His daughter smiled as she sat on the couch between Eddie and Tyler. She was gorgeous, and all grown up. No longer a little girl, but always his little girl. He felt the tightness in his chest. He wished she hadn’t experienced the fire, the pain of losing the man she loved so much. He wondered why she hadn’t mentioned Matt sooner. Was she afraid that they wouldn’t like him? Did she really feel like she needed to hide things from her own family?

It worried him. Perhaps her being back home could help make her see how much they loved her and needed her, too.

“Marty, what’s the name of that little jewelry hut on the corner of Tulip? Angelic something. Or is it Angels and something?” Angelina asked.

“Oh, you mean Angel’s Wings. Fannie Higgins owns that place. She has such beautiful jewelry in there,” Grandma said. Marty smiled.

“You’ll have to go in there, Serefina. There are lots of little cards with inspirational sayings,” Angelina said.

“I’m not really into inspirational sayings, Mom.” She lowered her eyes and stared at her clasped hands.

“Well, check out Sullivan’s after your run. It’s a café and restaurant. Great food,” Eddie said in an obvious attempt to change the subject.

Marty knew what his wife was trying to do. She was so worried about Serefina’s depression and feared what she may do. So did he, but with his sons keeping an eye on Serefina, she would pull through this.



* * * *



Serefina yawned as she tucked both legs underneath her on the couch on the back porch. Her parents went to bed, and her grandparents had walked home down the street three houses away. Eddie was rocking in the big swing, while Lance and Tyler were talking about some of the upcoming beach events.

“The Jeep is still running okay?” Eddie asked her.

She smiled. “I’ve taken really good care of it.”

“But?” Tyler asked.

“Well, after the long drive, I noticed some pulling to the right.”

“Probably the alignment. May just need an adjustment,” Lance added.

“Does Mickey still work at his dad’s auto body shop?” she asked.

“Mickey is running the place now,” Eddie told her.

“Are his parents still around?” she asked, feeling concerned. She had dated Mickey in high school for a short period of time, but they both realized they were better off as friends.

“They are. His dad’s back is bad and can’t do as much as he used to do. Mickey runs the place now. He asks about you. I saw him at the Station a few nights ago. Mentioned you were coming back,” Lance said.

She nodded her head. “The Station is still up and running, huh?” She thought about the bar and local hang out place. It was big, mostly filled with firefighters, but regulars did hang there, too.

“That place will always be there. Hollywood is already planning his retirement and planning on helping his dad take over the place,” Eddie said and then chuckled as he shook his head.

“You have to admit, he’d make a great bar owner,” Lance stated.

“He’d make a great bouncer. The guy is freaking huge,” Tyler said.

“Like as in fat?” she asked, totally surprised. The Hollywood she remembered was pretty tall and muscular but not heavy.

“Oh, he’s changed in the last six years, Serefina. He and his brothers Jake and Bear are in great physical condition after the Marine Corps. Biggest, muscular guys around town. You know that Jake is the sheriff and Bear and Hollywood work at our station house,” Lance told her.

“That’s great. I guess a lot has changed in six years.” She closed her eyes, leaned her head back, and absorbed the peacefulness of the porch and the smell of ocean air in the distance.

“It’s great to have you back, Fina,” Lance whispered. She opened her eyes and saw all three of her big brothers watching her. Eddie with his black crew cut hair and always so stern expression. He was the serious one. Lance, with a smile, was the jokester. The girls were always chasing after him, and for good reason. Lance as well as Eddie and Tyler, were good-looking guys, and they were well built, too, as firefighters. She looked at Tyler, the compassion in his eyes, the concern on his face.

“I’m glad to be back, too. It’s going to take a little getting used to, but I’ll be fine.”

Lance looked at Tyler and then Eddie. She could see their concerned expressions.

“We’re here for you, Serefina. You’re not alone,” Lance whispered. She felt the tears sting her eyes. She swallowed hard.

She couldn’t speak, couldn’t get out any words. She didn’t want to cry, to lose herself in emotions so strong that she was hollow inside. That was basically how she felt. Hollow.

Serefina stood up and looked at them. “I think I’m going to head up to the apartment. I’ll see you guys tomorrow?”

“Probably at supper. We’re on days this week, except for Tyler,” Eddie replied.

She smiled at him. “Be safe.” She walked out and across the back walkway to the apartment. She hoped her brothers understood that she needed time. Time seemed to be the only cure anyone suggested for a broken heart and a loss as great as what she felt.



* * * *



“I’m worried,” Lance whispered after Serefina walked out.

“Like we’re not all worried, too,” Tyler stated.

Eddie was still standing by the door, ensuring that Serefina made it to the apartment okay. As the oldest he took his role as guardian so serious, especially when it came to Serefina.

“That’s not what I’m saying. I’m just making a statement. You saw her, you can read the sadness in her eyes and in her expression,” Lance replied.

“She’s beautiful, and she needs to move on with her life,” Eddie stated.